Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs

Symptoms of Valley Fever

Most cases of Valley Fever are subclinical, meaning that the dog is infected by the fungi but does not develop observable symptoms. These animals probably never will be diagnosed or require treatment. However, when clinical illness does develop, it can be life-threatening. The early signs of Valley Fever are nonspecific and primarily respiratory. Owners of affected dogs may notice one or more of the following signs in the early course of the disease:

Acute onset of respiratory symptoms

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

Shortness of breath

Rapid, shallow breathing (tachypnea)

Cough (initially mild; may be dry and hacking or moist and productive)

Loss of appetite (anorexia; inappetence)

Weight loss

Weakness

Lethargy

As the infection spreads (becomes systemic or disseminated), which normally takes more than 4 months after the onset of respiratory signs, affected dogs deteriorate and develop additional symptoms, especially in their eyes, joints, skin and
bones. These may include:

Diarrhea (usually intermittent)

Vomiting (usually intermittent)

Chronic cough

Lameness (especially in the long bones of the limbs)

Swollen or enlarged joints

Neck pain

Back pain

Seizures

Vision abnormalities; vision loss

Weeping skin sores; draining skin ulcers

Emaciation

Fever unresponsive to antibiotics

Dogs at Increased Risk

Young, male, medium to large-breed dogs that live or spend a substantial amount of time outdoors in endemic areas have an increased risk of becoming infected by Coccidioides immitis. Boxers, Doberman Pinchers, Australian Shepherds, Beagles, Scottish Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Pointers are reportedly predisposed to Valley Fever, as are dogs living in endemic areas that tend to “nose around in the dirt.” Older and immunocompromised animals are at higher risk of infection, as are those with poor nutritional support.